Voice Thread

The tool that I chose is called Voicethread. It is really innovative, yet so simple to navigate. It really is a perfect tool for high school aged kids, which I will be working with. What is even cooler is the fact that there is even a page already set up for Educators that use Voicethread so that they can trade ideas and such.

So, you are probably ready for the details...

• What is the tool?

This is a tool that basically allows a user to have a conversation around media. You can take images, video, Powerpoint, etc. and then record your voice talking over the images while you simultaneouly draw on the media if you desire. For high schoolers it is a great way to form group discussions as this tool allows more than one person to discuss a group of media.

• How can it be used?

As I said before, you can use this to form groups and do group activities in the classroom, or as solo work. The great thing about this tool is that you can take a media and then actually draw on it as you explain with your voiceover what you are doing. It is especially helpful if you were to be doing something with math and you wanted to take people step by step, where to carry numbers, etc.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this tool?

I would say that the advantages are the opportunities for collaboration with others, as well as the removal of walls that shy students may have when presenting to a class. This tool allows students to re-record what they want to say over and over until they are ready to post.

The disadvantage is opposite of the advantage in that this technology may hinder some who need to learn to public speak, and will be spoiled by being behind a screen.

• Who is the audience for this tool?

I would say that the audience is educators. This is a tool that has already been hightly praised and used by educators. The above linked site is proof that educators are having a positive experience in their classrooms.

• Where can we learn more about this tool?

You can learn more about this tool at the Voicethread site, as well as using a Google search engine and typing in "Voicethread." You will find lots of definitions, blogs, and examples of the technology being used.

• What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?

My personal opinion is that this is a highly useful tool that I will personally use in my classroom for projects in which I would like the class to form groups. I think that this is a great addition to in-class discussions where students may feel hindered. I think that this gives shy students a place to shine, which everyone needs. This tool is also adaptable for students with disabilities.